AKA University City

Hotel with an indoor pool, steps from University of Pennsylvania

VIP Access

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Where to?

Dates

October 2025

November 2025

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Wonderful

Popular amenities

Pet friendly
Parking available
Bar
24/7 front desk

Explore the area

2929 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104

Place, University of Pennsylvania
‪2 min walk‬
Place, Drexel University
‪3 min walk‬
Place, Rittenhouse Square
‪11 min walk‬
Airport, Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.)
‪13 min drive‬

Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.

Expect exceptional service
Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Learn more about VIP Access

Room options

Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom

Exceptional

715 sq ft
1 bedroom
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Suite, 1 Bedroom (with Den)

Good

835 sq ft
1 bedroom
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Penthouse, 1 Bedroom (with Den)

835 sq ft
1 bedroom
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Penthouse, 1 Bedroom (with Library)

962 sq ft
1 bedroom
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Suite, 1 Bedroom (with Library)

963 sq ft
1 bedroom
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Premium Penthouse, 1 Bedroom

Exceptional

715 sq ft
1 bedroom
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Penthouse (Studio)

Exceptional

520 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Studio

Exceptional

520 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms (Skyline)

1022 sq ft
2 bedrooms
Sleeps 4
2 King Beds

Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms (Sunset)

1022 sq ft
2 bedrooms
Sleeps 4
2 King Beds

Room, 2 Bedrooms (Skyline)

1022 sq ft
2 bedrooms
Sleeps 4
2 King Beds

Room, 2 Bedrooms (Sunset)

Exceptional

1022 sq ft
2 bedrooms
Sleeps 4
2 King Beds

Studio, Accessible

520 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Premium Penthouse, 1 Bedroom, Accessible

715 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom, Accessible

Exceptional

Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms, Accessible (Sunset)

Sleeps 4
2 King Beds

About the neighborhood

Philadelphia

Located in University City, AKA University City is adjacent to University of Pennsylvania and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like Drexel University. This 133-room, 4-star hotel welcomes guests with a restaurant, an indoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

University of Pennsylvania - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
Drexel University - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
Rittenhouse Square - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
Philadelphia Museum of Art - 2 min drive - 1.3 miles
Pennsylvania Convention Center - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

30th St. Station - 6 min walk
30th St Station - 7 min walk
Philadelphia Intl. Airport (PHL) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

‪World Cafe Live - ‬2 min walk
‪The Post - ‬2 min walk
‪Rosy's Taco Bar - ‬7 min walk
‪Walnut Street Cafe - ‬1 min walk
‪Maison Sweet - ‬2 min walk

About this property

AKA University City

Hotel with an indoor pool, steps from University of Pennsylvania

Guests staying at AKA University City enjoy an indoor pool, a gym, and free WiFi in public areas. Self parking is offered for USD 35.00 per day. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day to help with concierge services and dry cleaning/laundry. Additional amenities include a business center, a terrace, and laundry facilities.

Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi and wired Internet. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and beds are dressed in premium bedding. Kitchens, washers/dryers, and refrigerators are also standard. Weekly housekeeping is available.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool and a health club.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Restaurant
Air conditioning

$229 nightly

Nov 2 - Nov 3

Total with taxes and fees

Property amenities

Internet

Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

Electric car charging station on site
Self parking on site (USD 35 per day)

Food and drink

A bar/lounge
A coffee shop/cafe
A restaurant

Things to do

Fitness classes
Games
Health club
Indoor pool
Yoga classes

Family friendly

In-room kitchen
In-room microwave
In-room refrigerator
In-room washer/dryer
Indoor pool
Laundry facilities

Conveniences

24-hour front desk
Laundry facilities
Water dispenser

Guest services

Concierge services
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Housekeeping (on request)

Business services

Business center

Outdoors

Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Terrace

Accessibility

If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Elevator (42 inch wide door)
Stair-free path to entrance
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible business center
Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
Wheelchair-accessible lounge
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator

1 building
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Built in 2017
Double-glazed windows
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Rooftop garden
Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

Premium bedding

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided

Entertainment

Flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Freezer
Kitchen
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster

Air conditioning
Cleaning products are eco-friendly
Eco-friendly toiletries
Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
Heating
Iron/ironing board
Laundry detergent
LED lighting
Phone
Safe
Washer/dryer
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3 PM

Late check-in subject to availability

Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

This property welcomes pets for USD 200 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
Dogs and cats only
Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 25.0 per day

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

Destination fee: USD 29.09 per accommodation, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

Self parking fee: USD 35.00 per day
Pet fee: USD 200 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
Service animals are exempt from fees
Rollaway bed fee: USD 25.0 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted

Cashless transactions are available

Long-term renters welcome

This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products

Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards

Check-in: 3 PM
Check-out: 11 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21

The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply), along with a car charging station.

Property Registration Number 864141

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.
Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

Long-term renters welcome.

Property is also known as

AKA University City Hotel

AKA Hotel

AKA University City Hotel

AKA University City Philadelphia

AKA University City Hotel Philadelphia

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at AKA University City?

AKA University City provides free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at AKA University City?

As of Oct 21, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at AKA University City on Nov 10, 2025 start from $355.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do near AKA University City?

This hotel is situated in University City, just steps from Walnut Street, and within a 10-minute walk of Schuylkill River Trail and Rittenhouse Row. You'll also find Rittenhouse Square and Philadelphia Museum of Art within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at AKA University City?

Yes, parking is offered for USD 35.00 per day. Electric car charging and bicycle parking are also available.

Does AKA University City include a casino?

No, AKA University City doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at AKA University City?

Yes, this hotel has an indoor pool.

Is AKA University City a good place to stay for couples?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including an indoor pool, a bar, and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at AKA University City?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does AKA University City feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, AKA University City doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does AKA University City allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at AKA University City for a fee of USD 200 per accommodation, per stay.

Does AKA University City have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to AKA University City?

The closest major airport to AKA University City is Philadelphia Intl. Airport (PHL), which is 9.5 mi away (14 minutes by car). Another top airport is Philadelphia, PA (PNE-Northeast Philadelphia), which is located 15.6 mi away (21-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at AKA University City?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at AKA University City.

AKA University City Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

Camille

Jul 17, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chanel

Jul 17, 2025

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adriana

Jul 16, 2025

Great place

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Shawn

Jul 13, 2025

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terrell

Traveled with family

Jul 9, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

NICOLAS

Jul 9, 2025

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

Disliked: Staff & service

I arrived to the hotel a little earlier than check in time and needed a place to change for an event and they were not accommodating at all.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chanel

Traveled with partner

Jul 7, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

always a pleasure when i stay at the AKA

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ambher

Traveled with family and small children

Jul 6, 2025

Liked: Staff & service, amenities

Disliked: Cleanliness

Extremely disappointed in the cleanliness and response to my concerns. The day before check out, i did speak with the Assistant Director of Housekeeping who was sweet and helpful but this was the day before checkout so she couldn’t do much about my issues.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Gyasi

Jul 4, 2025

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Timothy

Jul 4, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bonique

Jul 3, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Creede

Business traveler

Jun 30, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Run down apartment/hotel concept. Dirty floors. Dirty furniture. No amenities. Not great.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

TERRELL

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with pets, Traveled with family

Jun 28, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Wister ensured my family and I were checked in quickly and thoroughly. His customer service skills should be rewarded and definitely respected!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Jun 25, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Aka was excellent as always, everything was great.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Junace

Jun 23, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nelson

Jun 23, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

Traveled with family

Jun 23, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Facility was fantastic. Amenities like gym, pool, business centre, cafe onsite were all 5 stars. The reason I didn’t give 5 stars was the key card system was a sh*t show. I had to exchange my cards 4x over 2 days because they stopped working sometimes on the elevator (to get to the floor) and then the room door. Others were having the same issue.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Saleena

Jun 22, 2025

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Jun 20, 2025

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Marsheila

Jun 15, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The room was fantastic, but the front desk staff didn't appear very knowledgeable or helpful when asked basic questions Re: room service and the restaurant within the hotel. Also, the room service option was confusing and not very efficient. Would stay there again because of location, but would avoid asking for help beyond checking in if at all possible. I would also avoid the in-house restaurant.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chanel

Jun 15, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shawn

Jun 10, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kristina

Traveled with family

Jun 7, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Loved the size of the one bedroom premium suite. This felt more like a mini apartment than a hotel room. The walk in closet and washer and dryer were so appreciated. I went to the Roots Festival and day one was so muddy and rainy! It was nice to be able to wash and dry the muddy clothes before repacking. It was nice having a full kitchen as well, we didn’t cook but brought snacks and water and having the fridge was great. Parking was at a parking deck right next door. You do pay separately for parking, about $35 a night. The deck is not managed by the hotel. The location was about a 12 min Uber ride from the Mann park where the festival was and although there wasn’t a restaurant on site, there are eateries within walking distance and Door Dashing was easy. (Again, very much an apartment vibe) 4 stars instead of 5 because the floor 28 bar wasn’t open, I feel like that’s one of the amenities that made me choose this hotel. They did give a voucher for a free bottle of wine but when we went to the 28 floor there was no one to claim it. Oh and the views were incredible. You could see so much of the city from our room. Large windows, lots of light. It was only a two night stay but I would definitely stay again. Felt safe and also very relaxing.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Jun 2, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Beautiful place would recommend to everyone

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Cazembe

Traveled with partner

Jun 2, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Disliked: Staff & service

Check in was 3 pm. We arrived at 4 but they did not check us in until 5pm. The front desk was not friendly or attentive as we waited. Our room was spacious, clean and well decorated. The views were amazing!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025